Discover an explosion of savory flavors with our Saucy Stuffed Bell Peppers bursting with perfectly spiced ground beef and tender rice nestled inside crisp bell peppers. This Classic Stuffed Peppers Recipe brings a custom menu delight to any table with its vibrant taste and wholesome ingredients, ideal for a hearty, satisfying dinner.
I grew up eating stuffed peppers and this recipe is one of my all time favorites. I love how the bell peppers, after having their tops removed and seeded, hold in a hearty mixture of 1 lb ground beef or turkey, 1 cup cooked white rice, 1 small finely diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 can of tomato sauce.
The filling is boosted with 1/2 cup drained diced tomatoes, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, plus the right pinch of salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. I heat 1 tbsp olive oil to gently cook the meat and onion so all those flavors really meld together.
This dish is not only a classic stuffed pepper from my custom menu but it offers great nutritional benefits. It gives you protein from the meat and vitamins from the bell peppers.
Its a balanced meal that falls under healthy dinner recipes and is perfect for a beef dinner or even when you need a cozy weeknight meal.
Why I Like this Recipe
I like this recipe because it’s super easy to prepare even if I mess up a step here or there. I like that the flavors come together pretty well – the way the tomato sauce and Italian seasonings mix with the ground meat is just awesome. I also love that I can use either beef or turkey so I always feel like I can switch it up depending on what I’m in the mood for. And honestly, the best part is the comfort food factor; those stuffed peppers feel like a warm hug, especially when I add in that optional cheese topping for a melty finish.
Ingredients
- Bell peppers: Crisp vegetables packed with fiber and vitamins, add sweetness and crunch.
- Ground meat: High-quality protein adds flavor and richness while serving as a filling.
- White rice: Carbohydrate source that makes the dish hearty and completely satisfying.
- Tomato sauce: Provides tangy flavor and essential nutrients with a smooth, vibrant base.
- Onion and garlic: Aromatic duo that enhances flavor with a mix of sweetness and zest.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs contributing earthiness and irresistible aroma to every bite.
- Mozzarella cheese: Adds creamy texture and delightful richness for a gooey finish.
- Olive oil: Healthy fats that help meld flavors and enhance overall satisfaction.
Ingredient Quantities
- 4 large bell peppers, tops removed and seeded
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Optional: 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional: Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
How to Make this
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook ’em until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet, stirring frequently until it browns. Drain any excess grease if needed.
4. Stir in the cooked white rice, tomato sauce, and drained diced tomatoes. Mix in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper while cooking for another 2 minutes.
5. Arrange the 4 large bell peppers (with tops removed and seeds taken out) upright in the baking dish.
6. Spoon the meat and rice mixture evenly into each pepper.
7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 40-45 minutes or until the peppers get tender.
8. If you want that cheesy touch, remove the foil, sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the peppers, and bake for an extra 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Let the peppers cool for a few minutes, then sprinkle with chopped fresh basil or parsley if using.
10. Serve warm and enjoy this classic stuffed peppers recipe!
Equipment Needed
1. Oven – Preheat it to 375°F before you start
2. Baking dish – For arranging the peppers
3. Skillet – For cooking the onion, garlic, and meat
4. Cutting board and knife – For dicing the onion, mincing garlic, and prepping the peppers
5. Measuring spoons and cups – To accurately measure seasonings, oil, and tomato sauce
6. Spoon or spatula – For stirring the mixture in the skillet
7. Aluminum foil – To cover the baking dish during most of the baking process
8. Colander – To drain any excess grease and diced tomatoes if necessary
FAQ
Best Classic Stuffed Peppers Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- If you can’t find ground beef or turkey, you could use ground chicken or a plant-based meat substitute for a different twist.
- If you dont have cooked white rice on hand, try using brown rice or quinoa instead for a nuttier flavor.
- Instead of tomato sauce, you could use crushed tomatoes mixed with a pinch of garlic powder and basil for extra flavor.
- If you dont like regular onions, you can substitute with shallots to give the recipe a milder kick.
Pro Tips
1. When you’re browning the meat, dont stir it too much at first so it gets a nice sear – this adds a whole lot of flavor.
2. Make sure you drain off any extra grease after cooking the meat, so the filling doesnt get too oily and the peppers hold it all better.
3. If you’re adding cheese, take off the foil for the last few minutes as it melts; that way you get a bubbly, delicious top.
4. Lastly, finish with fresh basil or parsley at the very end – it not only looks great but also adds a fresh flavor that really lifts the dish.
Best Classic Stuffed Peppers Recipe
My favorite Best Classic Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Oven – Preheat it to 375°F before you start
2. Baking dish – For arranging the peppers
3. Skillet – For cooking the onion, garlic, and meat
4. Cutting board and knife – For dicing the onion, mincing garlic, and prepping the peppers
5. Measuring spoons and cups – To accurately measure seasonings, oil, and tomato sauce
6. Spoon or spatula – For stirring the mixture in the skillet
7. Aluminum foil – To cover the baking dish during most of the baking process
8. Colander – To drain any excess grease and diced tomatoes if necessary
Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers, tops removed and seeded
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Optional: 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional: Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook ’em until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet, stirring frequently until it browns. Drain any excess grease if needed.
4. Stir in the cooked white rice, tomato sauce, and drained diced tomatoes. Mix in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper while cooking for another 2 minutes.
5. Arrange the 4 large bell peppers (with tops removed and seeds taken out) upright in the baking dish.
6. Spoon the meat and rice mixture evenly into each pepper.
7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 40-45 minutes or until the peppers get tender.
8. If you want that cheesy touch, remove the foil, sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the peppers, and bake for an extra 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Let the peppers cool for a few minutes, then sprinkle with chopped fresh basil or parsley if using.
10. Serve warm and enjoy this classic stuffed peppers recipe!
